4 Foundational Labs I Use in My Holistic Health Practice

When it comes to functional lab testing, it’s important to recognize that no lab test is perfect. Every test has its unique strengths and limitations, and not every test is appropriate for every client. As a practitioner, I work hard to make smart recommendations that honor both your health needs and your budget.

Lab testing should never be about creating data for the sake of having more information. Instead, I focus on tests that will drive clear decision-making and provide actionable insights. It’s essential to understand what a test can—and can’t—tell you, so I’m intentional about choosing tools that provide the best path forward for your unique needs.

In my practice, there are four foundational labs that I use most often because of their ability to uncover root causes and support personalized healing plans. Let’s take a closer look at these tests and the transformative benefits they provide.

1. GI Map: A Must-Have for Every Client

The GI Map is my go-to lab for every client, regardless of age. Understanding gut health is foundational to improving overall well-being, as the gut is intricately linked to digestion, immunity, mental health, and more.

While collecting a stool sample might seem a bit uncomfortable at first, it’s non-invasive and simple enough for anyone to do. The GI Map provides detailed insights into your gut microbiome, digestive function, and inflammation levels. Armed with this data, I can make age-appropriate recommendations to address a variety of issues, including:

• Digestive concerns: constipation, diarrhea, reflux

• Skin conditions: eczema, acne, psoriasis

• Chronic fatigue and low energy

• Frequent infections and immune weakness

For children and adults alike, this test provides a roadmap to healing, allowing us to address gut dysfunction that often underlies systemic health challenges.

2. DUTCH Test: Hormone Balance for Teens and Adults

Hormonal health plays a significant role in how we feel, think, and function daily. I recommend the DUTCH Complete test for adults and teens (at least 2-3 years post-puberty) experiencing hormone-related symptoms, such as:

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Persistent fatigue

• Trouble sleeping

• Weight issues, particularly belly fat or rapid weight fluctuations

• Acne and other skin changes

• Chronic stress

This test requires four urine samples collected over a 24-hour period. While this may pose challenges for some individuals with Down syndrome or other unique needs, it is invaluable for uncovering cortisol dysregulation, sex hormone imbalances, and even how well your body detoxifies these hormones.

Clients who complete the DUTCH test often experience improvements in energy, sleep, and metabolism. They’re also empowered to make lifestyle changes that reduce stress and build resilience—key steps in long-term hormone health.

3. NeuroFocus Plus: A Game-Changer for Brain and Mood Health

The NeuroFocus Plus test is particularly meaningful for clients with mental health challenges, those on antidepressants, and individuals with Down syndrome regression. By collecting a single urine sample, it evaluates neurotransmitter levels like serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and glutamate, which directly influence mood, focus, and energy.

It’s shocking how many people are prescribed medications like SSRIs without ever measuring their neurotransmitter levels. This test fills that gap, providing actionable insights that guide targeted support. Paired with the GI Map, it offers a comprehensive look at the gut-brain connection, as the gut plays a crucial role in neurotransmitter production.

For clients, the benefits are remarkable:

• Reduced anxiety and depression

• Improved focus and sleep quality

• Decreased OCD-like behaviors in individuals with Down syndrome regression

• Enhanced social engagement

4. MRT Food Sensitivity Test: A Quick Win for Inflammation

While food sensitivities are always a symptom of an underlying issue (usually leaky gut), the MRT test is a great tool for providing fast relief. By identifying specific foods or chemicals triggering inflammatory reactions, we can temporarily remove these from the diet to lower systemic inflammation and free up the body’s resources for healing. This test requires a blood draw at participating labs like Any Lab Test Now. You can explore their draw locator here.

This test pairs beautifully with the GI Map, as we can simultaneously work on healing the gut while eliminating triggering foods. Clients often see rapid improvements in:

• Digestive discomfort (bloating, diarrhea, constipation)

• Skin rashes and irritation

• Joint pain and stiffness

• Brain fog and mental clarity

The MRT provides a clear path to symptom relief while we address root causes.

Empowered Health Starts Here

These four foundational labs are invaluable tools for uncovering the "why" behind symptoms. Whether we’re addressing gut health, hormone imbalances, neurotransmitter levels, or inflammation, the data we gather allows us to create personalized, effective healing plans.

If you’re ready to uncover the root causes of your health challenges and start your healing journey, let’s connect! Schedule a free discovery call today!